Prepare for Your Neuropsychological Assessment

What to ExpectDuring your visit, you will meet privately with a neuropsychologist to discuss your symptoms, review your history and talk about your present situation and concerns. You will then work with a skilled technician on a variety of tasks designed to measure different abilities, such as concentration, learning and memory, and language skills.

You may be asked to answer questions, work on paper and pencil tasks, or do other tasks that are very much like games or puzzles. Many of these are simpler; others are more complex so that most people cannot do them perfectly. But there is no passing or failing, and many people find the tasks fun and interesting.

Planning for Your VisitYour visit with the neuropsychologist may take two to six hours, depending on the amount of testing required. Because testing usually moves quickly, most people do not find it too tiring. Breaks will be provided as needed, and coffee and tea are always available.

Testing can usually be completed in one visit. If injury or illness makes a single long appointment difficult for you, a second appointment can be scheduled.

About two weeks after testing is completed, a written report will be sent to your doctor. You may meet again with the neuropsychologist to discuss test results and any recommendations for treatment.

Neuropsychology Services Frequently Asked Questions

What is a neuropsychological evaluation?

This evaluation helps determine how your brain is functioning. Head injuries, strokes, neurological conditions, and medical conditions (such as heart disease) can cause changes in thinking abilities, including concentration, learning and memory, language, and problem-solving skills. Neuropsychologists specialize in assessing a person's functional abilities and identifying areas of difficulty. Your referring doctor will use the findings to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. Neuropsychological assessment is particularly useful if other tests have not provided clear answers. It can also help determine whether pain, stress, depression, or anxiety are contributing to cognitive problems.

What should I expect during my appointment?

First, you will meet with a neuropsychologist to review your history and discuss your current concerns. You will then work with the neuropsychologist and a skilled technician on a variety of tasks designed to measure different cognitive abilities. You will be asked to answer questions, work on paper-and-pencil measures, and do other tasks that are similar to games or puzzles. Many of the tasks are simple, while others are more complex. Most people cannot perform them perfectly, and there is no passing or failing.

How long will my visit last?

This varies depending on the amount of testing required. If you are age 65 or older, please be prepared to spend 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours at the clinic. If you are under age 65, please be prepared to spend 4 to 6 hours at the clinic.

Should I bring someone with me?

For the interview portion of the appointment, you are encouraged to be accompanied by a family member or other individual who knows you well, although this is not required. You will be unaccompanied during the testing portion.

Will I be able to take a break?

Testing usually moves quickly - most people do not find it too tiring. However, short breaks are available if needed.

Is food provided or available at the clinic?

Our clinics do not have dining facilities. Please eat a good meal before your appointment. If you have a condition, such as diabetes, that requires you to eat every few hours, please bring a light snack to the appointment.

What should I bring to the appointment?

If you wear glasses, use reading glasses, or use hearing aids, please bring them to the appointment.

What if I have limited mobility?

Our staff is not equipped or trained to assist with transfers (e.g., from wheelchair to vehicle), or to provide restroom assistance. If you have mobility limitations that require assistance with transfers or restroom use, someone capable of assisting you must accompany you to this appointment, and must remain on site during your evaluation.

How do I get my results?

About two weeks after testing is completed, a written report will be sent to the referring physician. You may then meet with the referring doctor and/or the neuropsychologist to discuss test results and treatment recommendations.

Where do I park at the Minneapolis clinic?

Free parking is available in the ramp attached to the Midtown Medical Building. Park in any space marked “Visitor”, then proceed to check-in on the 2nd Floor. Please remember to bring the ticket you receive when entering the ramp into your appointment, as this ticket will be exchanged for a token that will allow you to exit the ramp.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you are unable to keep this appointment, please notify our office at least two business days in advance. Due to the very high demand for neuropsychology services, if you miss your appointment without notifying the clinic, or if you cancel less than two business days in advance, it is possible that you will not be rescheduled. If you are rescheduled, the wait time for the next available appointment may be as long as six months.